If you were arrested for a domestic-violence-related offense in Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, or elsewhere in Pierce County, you might assume everything goes away if your spouse tells the court they don’t want to press charges. Understandable—but that’s not how Washington works. Once the State files charges, the case is State of Washington v. You. Your […]

If you were arrested for a domestic-violence-related offense in Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, or elsewhere in Pierce County, “proving innocence” happens by building a record that the State cannot overcome at trial. Washington puts the burden on the prosecution to prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt—and if the defense raises lawful self-defense, the State must […]

Gun Rights & Domestic Violence Convictions in Washington State If you’re facing a domestic-violence allegation in Tacoma, Lakewood, or Puyallup and you own firearms or have a CPL, the rules are complex and the stakes are high. Washington courts can require firearm surrender before any conviction, certain DV misdemeanors can bar possession, and federal law […]

Residents of Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, and across Pierce County often ask after a dust-up outside a bar or at a house party: If we both agreed to fight, is it still assault? Short answer: Yes. Washington does not recognize a blanket “mutual combat” defense. Consent is narrow and mostly tied to foreseeable contact in organized […]

Sentencing in Washington criminal cases can be complicated. Even a small change in how prior offenses are counted can make a significant difference in the outcome. In 2023, the Legislature amended Washington’s Sentencing Reform Act to limit the use of juvenile adjudications in calculating offender scores. The appellate case State v. Gardner shows how courts […]

When prosecutors pursue felony charges, they must prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If the State cannot meet that burden, convictions cannot stand. Washington vs McKinlay highlights this principle. The decision shows how courts scrutinize evidence for assault and attempting to elude. It also shows why a defendant’s actions cannot be […]

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Tacoma or elsewhere in Pierce County, one of your first questions is likely: “How long will this affect my record?” The answer is more complex than you might expect. Below, our Tacoma DUI defense attorneys at Smith & White explain how long a DUI stays on your criminal […]

Many Washington drivers assume that if they feel sober, they are safe to drive. But for frequent cannabis users, that may not always be the case. Even after the intoxicating effects of marijuana have faded, residual THC in the bloodstream can sometimes exceed Washington’s legal limit for driving. Below, our DUI defense attorneys explain what […]

If you’re facing a marijuana-related DUI in Tacoma, Lakewood, or elsewhere in Pierce County, you may wonder: do Washington’s THC rules actually reflect real impairment? The short answer is no. Washington’s law treats THC like alcohol — assuming a specific number in your blood equals intoxication — even though every major scientific body says the […]

If you’re stopped in Tacoma or elsewhere in Pierce County on suspicion of driving under the influence, one of the first questions you may ask is: Is a marijuana DUI treated the same as an alcohol DUI in Washington? The short answer: No. Washington’s DUI law covers both alcohol and cannabis, but the standards, science, […]